Last year’s tumultuous events have left the employment market in a state of unpredictability. During the surging waves of infections, quarantines and lockdowns were hurriedly put in place, which led to fewer people going out and more businesses closing down. The economy was in a downturn.

This influenced the candidate’s mindset and, in turn, affected their behaviour when looking for jobs during the last year. Below are findings based on SEEK’s employment market update of 2020.

Significant drop in application rates

Across the market, there was a material fall in application rates. According to the report, a 14% overall drop in applications per ad in the year-over-year for 2019 and 2020. This means that there were fewer available candidates in 2020. 

But this decline was not because of fewer visits to the job site. We can see in the data that the number of site visits has remained almost the same for 2020 compared to the 2019 data. So why are there fewer candidates applying for job? The answer lies in the conversions from job ad view to completing an application. 

According to data, the number of views job ads get and the application per ad are widening. With fewer applications, this means that candidates are becoming more selective with the roles they intend to apply for.

People were less inclined to leave current roles

One reason for the drop in applications is that fewer people are inclined to leave their current roles. The pandemic affected candidates’ intention to switch careers, their main sentiment being, “I was planning to leave my current job but decided to stay because of COVID-19.” Around 31% of those surveyed agreed with this statement. And 1 in 3 people was held back from changing roles due to the virus outbreak. 

Not only that, a lot of them have expressed worry and are on alert for further impacts from the virus, with 7 out of 10 candidates surveyed being worried about another wave of infected cases.

Survey shows job security became a top priority

Another factor that affected the candidate’s mindset is job security. The pandemic caused millions of people to lose their jobs. This resulted in candidates switching their priorities when looking for jobs. 

Pre-pandemic, the factors that affected a candidate’s decision to apply for a job were the following: 

1. Salary compensation
2. Work-life balance
3. Career development opportunities
4. Job security

But now, job security has taken the top spot, followed by work-life balance, flexible hours scheduling, working conditions/environment. This shift may have also been impacted by the work-from-home model that many companies adopted last year.

Overall decline in applications per job ad across all industries

Industries with low salary brands suffer the lowest rate of applications per job ad, with the hospitality and tourism industry with a -57% rate of applications, followed by trades and services (-49%) and manufacturing, transport, and logistics industry (-47%)

However, two industries with high salary bands saw an increase in applications during 2020. The legal industry had a 39% increase in applications per ad, and engineering-related jobs increased by 2%.

2020 was tough for everyone but 2021 is starting to look up as vaccinations are underway and many businesses are opening back up, likely looking to hire again. In fact, Australia is among the quickest to recover from unemployment as the unemployment rate falls to 5.5%. 

Are you looking to hire new talents for your company as the economy picks up again? Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

When starting a new job, it’s only natural that you want to be seen as a professional, someone confident and dependable. Even if you’re a newbie and don’t know much about your company, team or expectations, you can still get a good impression with these expert tips.

• Research

Always do your research about the company you’ll be working at. If you still have some time before you start at your new job, check out their website or social media to get a feel for the work environment.

You can also reach out to your manager and ask them about the appropriate dress code or anything specific that you would need to know to help you out on your first day. Doing so shows that you’re proactive and will leave a great impression on your future teammates. 

• Confirm your schedule

Even if it’s on the job description, don’t assume you know your work schedule. There may be routines that they follow that you don’t know about, so it’s best to ask ahead of time, like gathering together a few minutes before work or a carpooling situation. Ask what time you’re expected so you can arrive early and impress your boss.

• Test run everything

Make sure that things will go as smooth as possible when starting your job. When working on-site, test out your commute to avoid being late. If you’re working at home, make sure that the equipment you’re using is in good condition and your internet connection is strong and stable and nobody is about to go into the pit outside your place and start messing around with wires. 

• Meet with your manager

During your first day, checking in with your manager can benefit you in the long run. According to a study done by Microsoft, new hires who met with their managers on their first week boosted their feeling of belonging and made them stay longer. They also had better meetings and better collaborations compared to those who didn’t have a one-on-one. 

• Build relationships

As a new hire, introductions and meeting new people will be the standard. You can go over introductions ahead of time virtually or wait until you’ve met with them face to face. Be ready to share information about yourself but don’t go overboard. They don’t need to know about your life story. Limit it to your background and a bit about yourself for a professional first impression. And before you know it, you’ve made new friends!

• Ask questions and feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Since you’re new, it’s expected of you and encouraged. Naturally, you want to appear confident and capable, but appearances will mean nothing if you fail at a task or cannot do your job. The biggest mistake you can make as a newbie is to assume how to do a job and that asking questions makes you a nuisance. Asking questions will show that you’re willing to learn and make sure that you’re doing your job correctly. Also, don’t forget to ask for feedback for further improvement.

• Listen and learn

Of course, once you ask questions, be prepared to listen to the answers. If necessary, make written notes so you can refer back to them when you’re lost. Try to take in as much information as you can. Also, learn to pay attention to what is not being said. Learn to pick up on subtext or nuances for more productive workplace communication.

• Manage your time wisely

It won’t take long before your workload starts to pile up, and you’ll be overwhelmed. That’s why it’s essential to begin creating good time management skills. Start slowly and build up the habit of setting your priorities. This can only benefit you in the long run.

• Mind your own business

Some newbies make the mistake of involving themselves in office matters that are none of their business. While some work environments are generally peaceful and friendly, some are a tangled web of gossip. Try to avoid them if you can unless someone is doing something unethical or is creating an unsafe working environment.

• Relax and be positive

it’s normal to feel the first-week jitters when you’re new. But you can set them aside by adopting a positive attitude. Remember, they chose you out of all the other candidates. No need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Just remember to do your work as best you can while still being warm and cordial to your team members.

So push those newbie nerves to the side and do some self-care to calm yourself down. Every day is a learning process. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself making meaningful connections at your workplace and contributing a lot to your work.

Are you ready for your first day on the job? Or are you still on a job hunt? Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

Working green is now the new normal. Sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives in the workplace are more than just a fad and are now highly encouraged. Research shows that doing so brings real business benefits for a company. Here are the advantages of having a sustainable workplace.

Benefits of a sustainable workplace

Improved brand image

Customers are more likely to purchase products or services from a company that considers its impact on the environment. They are more interested in businesses that align with their values. So if they are aware that your company is mindful of its environmental impacts, customers are more inclined to buy your products and services.

Increased productivity and reduce costs

Developing sustainable business practices leads to a streamlined and efficient operation. Your company conserves resources which in turn enhances employee productivity and reduces cost. Having a green workplace is also proven to reduce the average sick days of employees, thus making them more productive. Additionally, employees are more satisfied and are more willing to stay longer in the company.

Easier to comply with regulations

Due to growing concern for the environment and dwindling resources, regulations and laws are being passed to protect the environment. If you’re already practising sustainability in your workplace, then your company is in a position to meet these regulations promptly. It’s a seamless process for a sustainable company, and more time will be spent being productive.

Increase employee recruitment and retention

Future employees will want to associate with a company that is mindful of its carbon footprint, especially the younger generation who grew up exposed to messages about environmental protection and who are more likely to work for a company with values that align with their own. Furthermore, companies that are proactive with their ecological and social programs have happier and more loyal employees.

Improved financial and investment opportunity

Investors also consider a company’s values regarding sustainability and environmental awareness when choosing what to invest in. Financial and investment analysts have found environmental sustainability plans in a company are essential criteria for evaluation. So not only are you reducing costs with energy-saving strategies, but you are also gaining profit by attracting investors who support your company’s cause.

Minimise waste and carbon pollution

And, of course, the main benefit of practising sustainability in the workplace is to minimise the carbon output and improve energy efficiency for the benefit of the planet and future generations.

Ways to become a sustainable workplace

• Reduce energy and water usage – You can do this by using energy-efficient light bulbs, utilising natural lighting if possible, and encouraging water-saving practices in common areas like kitchens or cafeterias, etc.
• Choose sustainable suppliers – For office supplies, consider buying items made of recycled or eco-friendly materials. Or better yet, go paperless to reduce the waste produced significantly.
• Consider parking and transport to your office – Carpooling is an excellent way to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. Plus, it saves you money for gas or commute fare. You can also encourage employees to use other modes of transport like bicycles by offering storage facilities for such.
• Add plants – Add greenery to your office! According to a study done by psychologists at Exeter University, adding plants to the workplace can boost productivity and mood among workers. Plus, it helps in reducing air and noise pollution indoors, especially if it’s an open-plan workplace.

Has your workplace started going green? Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

Last year’s quarantines and remote working emphasised our reliance on technology thanks to the tools we used that allowed us to communicate and cooperate despite the distance we had to maintain. This will likely keep the demand up for tech talent as businesses push increased automation, digitisation and digital transformation. As such, here is a list of in-demand tech skills for 2021

Information security 

In the current digital age, information security is a risk driver. All kinds of businesses that collect information from their customers or handle sensitive data are always at risk of external breaches. And because information security requires a particular skillset and a shortage of people trained in this specific area, this skill is highly coveted today and will be in high demand for the foreseeable future. 

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence continues to be a highly-sought skill in the tech industry. AI technology is being implemented among many sectors nowadays like healthcare, banking, transportation, and retail, to name a few. Because of this, tech firms all over the world are competing for the best talent in AI and ML. No wonder then that the demand for people skilled in artificial intelligence continues to rise.

Data Analysis

To improve strategies and bring greater accuracy to decision-making, industries make use of Big Data. It refers to large and diverse sets of information that continue to grow. That’s why data analysis and data science skills are required to make sense of these chunks of information that industries like banking, manufacturing, and professional services, among others, base and optimise their strategies around. 

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual and augmented reality – collectively known as Extended Reality – is on the rise as one of the most in-demand skills in the tech industry. Many industries use this technology, like healthcare, automotive, architecture, tourism, and it is expected that more will follow in the coming years. But while demand is increasing, job searches are decreasing, implying fewer candidates who have this skill are looking for work. This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to learn VR and AR to fill in those gaps.

Collaboration

Collaborating well with others is also a sought-after skill. When you work in a team, cooperating and collaborating with your team members can make a difference. You can exchange ideas and develop new solutions that can give you an edge in a fast-paced industry.

Communication

Good communication skills are always a must, especially in the highly collaborative tech industry. You need to communicate well with your team to solve tech issues or convey your ideas well. You would also need to talk to your clients and adequately translate all the technical jargon into terms that they can understand. With good communication skills, you’re sure to succeed in the tech industry.

Agile Mindset

Beginning as a manifesto for software development, the Agile mindset has been adopted and embedded as a philosophy into the business world since it can be easily applied to any kind of work. Even two decades later, the Agile mindset and its 12 principles still remain relevant for many organisations worldwide, and that’s why many companies look for skilled tech professionals who have an agile mindset that can adapt and thrive in the industry.   

New technologies are being researched and developed every day. So whether you’re looking to get into the tech industry or searching for new talent to add to your team, the willingness to learn combined with the skills above will make for a tech talent superstar. 

Possess any of those in-demand skills? Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

In this fast-paced and highly competitive modern age where everyone is clambering to get to the top, we tend to overwork ourselves. This results in stress and burnout and these greatly affect productivity. With stress comes fatigue, we become listless and unfocused and our work performance could drastically degrade. It also affects us emotionally, turning us irritable and impulsive, negatively affecting our relationships.

A simple solution to this is meditation. Wellness experts have touted the benefits of meditation and there have been studies conducted that proved its helpfulness. People who have incorporated meditative breaks into their daily routine swear by their boosted productivity as proof. But what exactly does meditation entail?

Meditation and Mindfulness

Like our physical bodies need sleep to rest, our minds need a break too. We are told that we should treat our brain as a muscle and constantly exercise it to keep it active and alert. But like any muscle, it needs to recuperate so it can perform well again when we need to use it. And a good way to rest our brain is through meditation.

Meditation is simply an act of spending time in silent contemplation. It is a state of mind where you think about nothing (harder to do than it sounds) to relax and find peace. Mindfulness, meanwhile, is a state where you focus your awareness on the present moment, what you feel, your thoughts, and bodily sensations. 

Meditation and mindfulness go together in resting your mind. By meditating, you clear your mind of everything. No worrying about tasks to be done or people to call. And once you clear your mind, you can slip into the state of mindfulness. With no more thoughts crowding and distracting you, you start to be more aware of the present. so how can sitting quietly and thinking of nothing benefit you?

Benefits of Meditation

According to studies, meditation has several benefits, particularly to brain functions. It improves cognition because it enhances our focus, memory and attention span, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. 

It can also recharge both body and mind, with one study pointing out that meditating works better than a nap in restoring energy and recharging the synapses in our brains. Participants who meditated performed better compared to their counterparts who merely took a nap.

Meditation is also a great stress reliever, as it directly counteracts stress and burnout. And less stress makes for a happier worker. It also enhances empathy, compassion and curbs impulsive emotional responses, which can improve your relationships with the people around you.

All these benefits point to, you guessed it, a boost to productivity. Enhanced cognition, revived energy, and stress reliever leads to a happier person leads to a more productive workday.

Incorporating Meditation Into Your Daily Routine

The good thing about meditation and mindfulness is that you don’t need any equipment or do a lot of work. the most important thing is to concentrate on your breathing. You don’t even have to do it for so long. A short 5-minute meditation break is enough to revive your brain and body.

Find a comfortable spot with no distractions, sit with your back straight, close your eyes, and breathe. Relax and stop thinking. Focusing on your breaths will help slow down whatever turmoil is in your mind.

If you have trouble concentrating at first, don’t worry. You can try guided meditation audios that are readily available online. Consistency is key. With practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it and can concentrate on your meditation.

Find more productivity tips and information from us at Redwolf + Rosch. We also offer recruitment and HR consulting services. Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

Like all types of planning in life, career planning is never straightforward. There are various things to consider and potential obstacles waiting at every step of the way. But just like all changes we want to make in our life, we always have to take the first step. And believe it or not, no matter how off-putting you think the idea is, part of that first step is professional networking.

What is Professional Networking?

Networking is when you’re building a network of relationships that are mutually beneficial. Therefore, professional networking is when you’re building professional relationships that are mutually beneficial for all involved professional careers. The people in a network don’t necessarily have to be in the same field, but in other fields too. What’s important is that you can use this network to ask favours and help them in return.

Now that we got that covered, let’s take a look at its benefits and why it plays a significant role in a successful career plan.

Benefits of Professional Networking

Find new opportunities.

First and foremost, professional networking helps you find new opportunities for your career. Not all opportunities are actively advertised. That is why going out and talking to people who know about them is the perfect way to learn about these new opportunities that may be perfect for your career. 

Learn new ideas.

Professional networking is an excellent avenue for sharing and learning new ideas. You are in a room full of like-minded professionals who are experienced in their fields. These are people who may have gone through the same career hurdles as you and may offer their own ideas on how they overcame their own. In the same way, you may strengthen your professional relationships by sharing your own ideas you have learned throughout your career.

Boost your confidence.

Personally, networking creates a positive impact on your confidence. After all, you are talking to people, mingling with them, and establishing mutually beneficial relationships. It’s a task that overall increases your confidence and growth as a person and a professional.

Raise your profile.

Attending professional networking events makes you visible to the professional community. You get to speak with people, share your own ideas, and become a reliable part of their network as they are to yours. This basically builds and raises your profile, making you stand out to potential employers.

Build long-lasting personal relationships.

While your primary goal in professional networking is to build professional relationships, along the way, you may also meet people that you can connect with personally. Keep in mind that some of the longest-standing relationships stem from work. Here, you may find individuals with the same goals and interests as you, paving the way for strong and lasting friendships.

Tips on How to Get Started with Professional Networking

There are plenty of places where you can start professional networking. Some of the common places include:

• Networking events 
• Meetup groups (https://www.meetup.com/ )
• Conferences and expos
• High School and University  alumni clubs
• Online social media sites for professionals (e.g., LinkedIn)

Before attending any of these events, always prepare first. Establish a goal, so you have a set of directions when you arrive. For instance, who do you want to meet? Are there people you want to be introduced to? Next, don’t forget to whip up an elevator pitch to get the attention of potential connections. Finally, relax and be yourself. Networking is meant to be fun! 

Ready to get started with your professional network? Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

When deciding to relocate to a new city, there are plenty of things to think about. Of course, since you’re staying there permanently, getting a job is at the top of your to-do list. 

The reality is, it’s going to be hard looking for a job when you’re not a local. That’s why before letting go of your current job, try and ask your colleagues or managers whether it’s possible to keep it and become a remote worker instead. The best-case scenario is they let you, as long as you can travel to and fro for essential meetings. It’s not an unlikely scenario, though, since remote work has become a trend ever since the COVID-19 health emergency.

Otherwise, here are tips for landing a job when relocating to a new city.

Start doing some homework.

So, you’ve chosen where you’ll be relocating. The first step in landing a job here is to do a bit of research. Are there available jobs in your field?. Look for potential companies you think will benefit from your skills and experience. List the top 5 or 10 that you have in mind and get as much information about them as you can. Follow them on social media, get to know their hiring process, and consider reaching out to their hiring managers for a chance to introduce yourself. The proactive bird gets the worm. 

Update your resume.

Make it clear on your cover letter and resume that you are actively considering work in a new location even if your resume lists your current address. 

Some hiring managers understand it when potential employees take off their addresses from their resumes for privacy reasons. At the same time, it will make it evident that you are not a local in the area. The best way to go about this is to put a local address of a family member, a person you’re staying with, or a place where you will be feasibly staying when you’re done with relocation. 

You can always put your old address, though, but make sure to mention your planned relocation on your cover letter as well as an expected time period of moving (e.g. two weeks needed to move from Melbourne to Sydney) 

Check out recruitment agencies.

Job hunting is a tedious process, especially when you’re new to the area. In this case, it’s best to utilise as many resources as you can. For instance, recruitment agencies like us REDWOLF + ROSCH! Our job is to take the pressure of job hunting off your shoulders. We’ll keep you updated with available job openings from our various partner companies in Australia and give you all the necessary information you need to connect with them. You can get started today by visiting https://redwolfrosch.com.au/talent.

New city. New network.

A professional network is always a great help when looking for career opportunities. However, this doesn’t mean that your previous network won’t help you in this area. In fact, they may introduce you to someone they know in your new place of residence. You can start from there, or you may also reach out to friends and family in the area. Otherwise, you can explore LinkedIn or your alumni network for potential connections in the new city.

Be prepared to travel for interviews.

A quick trip for an interview may sound costly now, but it is ultimately better than moving without a salary to look forward to for weeks on end. Ultimately, travelling for an interview will be worth it. Bonus if you’ve already planned out the details of your trip back and included them in your cover letters to let recruiters know of your availability.

Planning to move to a new city? Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

Remote working or working from home has not only been a trend during the COVID-19 lockdown, but it is also generally mandated by the governments to keep employees safe from the virus. However, it’s an arrangement that is either not sustainable or not as productive for many companies. This is where the Hybrid Workplace model comes into play so let’s discuss why it is a good idea to consider implementing a hybrid workplace in your organisation.

What is a hybrid workplace?

A hybrid workplace is an arrangement where employees occasionally go back to the office and then complete or continue their tasks at home. Whether they work in the office or at home will depend on their convenience and your organisation’s decision whether who works in the office or at home.

Hybrid workplaces are expected to be how organisations work in the future. That is why many companies have begun their shift to this workplace model arrangement while ensuring that employees maintain their productivity and increase their engagement levels.

Why is a hybrid workplace model a good idea right now?

If we set aside the fact that the hybrid workplace model is the new future, there are still plenty of benefits to why your organisation must start the transition. In fact, here are a few key insights on its advantages:

Reduces Cost of Operations

With fewer employees working in the office, companies don’t need to worry about office spaces, computer units, or keeping the pantry fully stocked. Basically, having fewer office space needs will save companies annual real estate costs and other operational costs required to accommodate the typical number of employees. They can either reduce the size of the office or consolidate different offices into one.

Increases Productivity

The idea of this workplace model makes employees more accountable and responsible for their tasks. A hybrid workplace gives employees fewer chances of getting micromanaged, which means they feel independent and confident in finishing and doing their work. They become more aware of their responsibilities, making them infinitely sincere, accountable, and disciplined than the regular work arrangement of clocking in the office every day.

Increases Cross-Collaboration

This may sound questionable. After all, communication has become challenging ever since the start of the pandemic. But cross-collaboration between teams can increase in a hybrid workplace model mostly because they become more flexible. There is also plenty of software that has emerged in the market to support remote collaboration. Remote employees can continue working without any hassle at home, and when asked to work onsite, they are given a sudden boost of collaboration and overall performance. 

Employee Prioritisation

A hybrid workplace arrangement gives employees financial leeway. This is especially true for those whose addresses are far from the office. It saves employees commuting costs and other costs related to going to the office every day. Some companies even chose to supply their employees with office furniture such as standing desks to support their remote working arrangement further. At the same time, companies can break the monotony of working at home by giving employees the chance to work back in the office part-time, strengthening the bonds between employees and improving morale. 

Have you begun your organisation’s transition to a hybrid workplace yet? 

Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

Even as uncertainties still lurk in most industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost half of Australian businesses are optimistic and are increasing headcount in 2021.

Business leaders quickly adjusted to the workplace challenges by implementing flexible or remote work setup, digitisation and digital transformation, and improvement procedures on internal communication. Job seekers need to carefully consider these new workplace policies and procedures that impact salaries and level the competition. They also need to stay informed about salary trends to pick the best career path.

Shane Perry, Max Funding financial expert notes, “Workplace flexibility emerged as one of the topmost company strategies benefitting both the company’s continued operation while allowing employees to work from home during the lockdowns. Most businesses expressed to continue the set-up but with a combination of remote work and at the workplace as the pandemic eases.”

Technology is also pivotal to the operations and advancement of businesses in 2021. Job seekers need to be familiar with communication tools for real-time communication, cloud storage, and file-sharing to access company files anywhere.

The economy went downhill due to the pandemic and only a few sectors remained unaffected. Amidst the challenges, the technology, financial services, and construction industries continued to hire talents and offer higher-paid roles.

On the other hand, workers who have been laid off from their previous jobs have to take advantage of upskills to be prepared for new work arrangements. A more skilled worker would also more likely to get higher pay. To kickstart job applications, aspirants should look into the country’s highest-paid jobs in 2021.

We have listed the top ten highest paying jobs in Australia in 2021, reported by IDP.

As the demand for technology surges, most of the highest paid jobs are in the IT sector. Companies have started to invest in IT solutions for digital products. Construction industries, along with the medical field, also joined the top spots.

1. IT Systems Architect

Average salary: AUD 139,690

2. Engineering Manager

Average salary: AUD 132,350

3. IT Manager

Average salary: AUD 125,660

4. IT Security Architect

Average salary: AUD 124,190

5. Analytics Manager

Average salary: AUD 118,820

6. Cloud Engineer

Average salary: AUD 111,590

7. Construction Manager

Average salary: AUD 111,390

8. Wellbeing Manager

Average salary: AUD 110,520

9. Doctor/Physician

Average salary: AUD 103,400

10. Data Scientist

Average salary: AUD 99,510

If you want to work in an environment that inspires professional growth, the passionate specialists in Digital, Technology, Sales & Marketing recruitment of Redwolf + Rosch can help you determine the next best move of your career.

As a Digital, IT, Sales & Marketing recruitment consultancy, Redwolf + Rosch partners with top companies, start-ups, and agencies to find talented people that want to do fantastic work. We bridge talents and employers to fit the right person in the right company.

Browse our extensive job listing to check the available job positions suitable for you. Employers could likewise search for talents here.

Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.

Author: Jett Hayes

Jett Hayes is a freelance writer based in Sydney with a special interest in content marketing.

He enjoys writing about trends and developments in all areas including technology. 

The gradual easing of lockdown restrictions can bring much-longed-for opportunities to see our friends and family, be able to walk around and hang out at the park, or pop back into the office. 

It gives us a bit of that ‘normal’ we’ve so desperately been craving. But for many, the easing of lockdown and social distancing restrictions is giving them a wave of unease, an emerging phenomenon that mental health experts are noticing: Anxiety about life after lockdown.

People who live with anxiety are prone to overthinking stepping back out into the world. The lifting of lockdown restrictions come with a lot of things, for many of us, even small and happy changes can mean nerves and agitation. And with the discussion still ongoing about the science behind many of the things we fear, even the semblance of normal that we’ve been craving can mean nothing compared to the worry that comes with it.

When the lockdown started, it was all uncertainties, one after the other. But just as you were able to bravely get through that, trust that the wave of uncertainties that the end of lockdown would be bringing forth will be something that you’ll be able to get through as well. 

It took us time to find ways to cope during the lockdown, coming out of it should be no different. Expect that you will take time to find your way back into the “old normal”.

Just as they were crucial during the beginning of lockdown, eating well, staying connected, finding healthy routines, and doing regular exercise are just as important (if not more so) now that we’re gearing up to step back out into the world.

We might all be going through the same pandemic, but always remember that we’re not all going through it in the same way. Your situation is unique to you, so don’t judge yourself based on what others are doing. The best thing you can do is face your own challenges and move through them the best way that you can.

Coping with fear and anxiety after lockdown

Fear and anxiety might be the most common emotional response to the easing of lockdown restrictions. Going into lockdown, we had to power through finding ways to cope. In the process, we may have found or created safe spaces that we’re not quite ready to leave yet as the distancing restrictions are lifted.

Another obvious reason the easing of lockdown restrictions can bring dread is the fear that we might catch the virus and pass it off onto one of our friends or loved ones, and the more you interact with people, the higher the chances become. This response is also normal, and the risks of catching the virus and passing it can be greatly reduced by following guidelines.

It’s important to acknowledge that these reactions and responses are normal. The only way to move through these fears is by gently building up tolerance towards them.

For many of us, the coronavirus pandemic has heightened our anxiety or has made other mental health issues worse. Adjusting back into things might take a while, and adjusting to new sets of rules and guidelines might take even longer. If possible, take things at your own pace. But also remember that there’s nothing wrong with challenging yourself to try something new or overcoming something each day.

The lockdown has created a quiet space for many of us and going back into the hustle and bustle of the outside world might lead to a bit of a sensory overload and could take a bit of getting used to. Headphones could help with this by creating distractions with music, podcasts, and even calls.

How to pick up our social lives after lockdown

Moving out of lockdown might mean the possibility of being able to pick our social lives back up, albeit with lots of new guidelines and changes. Some of us couldn’t wait to be able to see our friends again, while there are others who are understandably nervous about doing so or might not even be able to given their situation.

If you’re part of a social group where some members won’t be able to rejoin group outings and activities just yet, make sure you still find ways to include them.

As earlier mentioned, there might be some of us who fell into comfortable quietness during the lockdown, and we might need to step outside of the old comfort zone in order to overcome initial awkwardness to reconnect and re-engage with people.

Many of the things that we’re all about to face will be new to us. It could be insisting on social distancing restrictions among friends and family, remembering when and where to wear a mask, not stopping by for a chat when you see a friend at the grocery, and so on. All we could do as we’re collectively trying to find the right footing is to do our best at following guidelines, being understanding, and being kind.

Need to chat about reintegrating back into onsite work again? 

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